8 chic hair colours to expect this autumn/winter

As the temperature drops and wardrobes swap linen for knitwear, hair colour updates quietly steer seasonal style. Stylists and colourists around the UK are pointing to a concise palette of luxe tones for autumn and winter — shades that favour warmth, depth and naturalism, but with room for contemporary contrasts like iced blondes and soft, smoky brunettes. Below we set out the eight shades industry pros expect to dominate salons and street style, plus practical advice on who they suit and how to keep them looking polished through the colder months.

The eight colours to know

Here are the autumn/winter shades colourists are recommending for 2025 — each chosen for wearability, richness and the way it complements seasonal dressing.

1. Deep chocolate brown
A true favourite for colder months, deep chocolate delivers glossy depth without the harshness of black. It flatters all skin tones and is easy to maintain, as it doesn’t show root regrowth as dramatically as lighter shades. Colourists recommend a shine-enhancing gloss treatment after the colour to maximise its reflective quality.

2. Warm chestnut
Chestnut sits between brown and auburn, offering golden-red undertones that catch low winter light beautifully. This is a particularly flattering choice for warm and neutral complexions and can be customised with subtle caramel highlights to add movement.

3. Rich auburn
A classic autumnal choice, auburn brings a red note that reads luxurious rather than loud. Modern takes on auburn favour depth at the root with brighter coppery ends — a technique that gives a lived-in, sunkissed effect while keeping upkeep manageable.

4. Mocha balayage
Balayage continues to be a go-to for those wanting natural dimension. A mocha base with soft, warm highlights provides contrast and depth without the need for high-maintenance regrowth appointments. It works especially well on mid-length and long hair.

5. Iced blonde
For those who prefer cool tones, iced blonde remains a seasonal standout. It’s a higher-maintenance option but when executed with subtle root shadowing it can feel modern and wearable for colder months. Ask a stylist about delicate lowlights to prevent the colour from looking flat.

6. Smoky espresso
A cooler, almost ashy brunette that sits between brown and black. Smoky espresso suits cooler skin tones and offers a sophisticated alternative to stark black, with a softer, more nuanced finish.

7. Subtle copper
Copper tones are back with a restrained edge: think muted, autumnal copper rather than bright, neon orange. This shade is ideal for warm or olive complexions and can brighten up dull winter skin without appearing overly dramatic.

8. Muted honey blonde
A warmer blonde that reads golden without being too bright. Muted honey is excellent for those transitioning from darker summer tones who want a softer, more natural blonde through the colder months.

Who should choose which colour?

Choosing a seasonal colour is as much about personal style and maintenance tolerance as it is about skin tone. General guidelines colourists use are:

• Cool skin tones: smoky espresso, iced blonde (with ash tones) and deep chocolate work well.
• Warm skin tones: warm chestnut, rich auburn, subtle copper and muted honey blonde are flattering.
• Neutral skin tones: mocha balayage and versatile mid-browns offer flexibility.
• Low-maintenance preference: deeper, single-tone shades and balayage techniques reduce salon visits.

Always request a consultation before committing to a dramatic shift — an experienced colourist will consider your natural pigment, history of chemical services and the condition of your hair when recommending a shade and technique.

Practical care: keeping your colour luxe through winter

Winter brings dryness from indoor heating and extra abrasion from scarves and hats — both can dull colour fast. To make a seasonal shade last, stylists advise a combination of in-salon care and targeted at-home maintenance. Key practices include regular hydrating treatments, a colour-safe shampoo, and protective styling to reduce friction.

• Use a colour-preserving shampoo and conditioner formulated for your shade.
• Reduce washing frequency to preserve pigment — aim for two to three washes a week where possible.
• Incorporate a weekly deep-conditioning mask or an in-salon gloss to revive shine.
• Shield hair from heat styling and always use a heat protectant when you do style.
• Wear soft fabrics next to the hair (silk or satin scarves, or cotton-lined hats) to cut down on friction.

Takeaway

This autumn and winter, the trend is less about radical reinvention and more about considered, luxurious tones that enhance natural depth and movement. From the warm richness of chestnut and auburn to the cool sophistication of iced blonde and smoky espresso, the season’s palette is wide enough to suit varied tastes while prioritising wearability. The biggest decision for most people will be maintenance: choose a technique — such as balayage or root shadowing — that matches how often you want to visit the salon, and follow a targeted care routine to keep colour looking fresh despite the challenges of colder weather.